The Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme is now open for applications for grants of between £3,000 and £20,000, for projects that aim to assist serving families stationed at overseas bases and defence locations, focusing on addressing and recognising wellbeing issues faced by partners, children and young people during overseas posting.
What is the Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme all about?
The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘ensuring our Armed Forces communities are not disadvantaged’.’ This family- focused programme will support serving families overseas by addressing their needs, including emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections, and overall family dynamics. The aim is to better assist those deployed overseas alongside their Service personnel. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.
Supporting Serving Families Overseas will support projects which achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
- Provide new forms of personalised and targeted support in location for partners, young people, and children and their wellbeing whilst posted overseas.
- Increase serving families’ knowledge of existing services and recreational provision.
- Reduce isolation and the impact of loneliness in country for partners, young people and children.
The Trust is inviting applications from overseas Armed Forces units, bases or defence locations. Registered charities working in partnership with an Armed Forces overseas unit, base, or defence location can also apply.
What type of projects are The Trust looking to support?
The Trust are interested in supporting projects that provide innovative targeted support to families of Service personnel stationed overseas.
Projects should aim to help families thrive in their new communities by building social connections and support networks that enhance overall wellbeing.
If you apply for a grant, you need to show us how Service families have contributed to shaping your project and provide evidence of the need for your initiative.
The programme is now open for applications and the closing date is 12 noon on 15 January 2025. You will receive a decision before end of March 2025.
Anna Wright, Chief Executive at the Trust said: “We recognise the additional complexity and challenge that can face families when moving and living overseas, accompanying their serving loved one. This programme is designed to address and mitigate these challenges so that families can thrive and enjoy their time together overseas.”
Find out more
Full details of this exciting new programme, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk
Keep up to date with funding opportunities
For the latest updates and announcements on each of the Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk